The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) will be held from June 19 to 17 July in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, Fifa has officially confirmed.
The dates were announced ahead of the 76th Fifa Congress in Vancouver, Canada. The congress comes at a time when preparations are gathering pace for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, which is now just 44 days away. The global tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, and will be jointly hosted by 16 cities - 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.
The 2027 Afcon Local Organising Committee (LOC) is racing against time to ensure that Kenya meets all the infrastructure and logistical requirements needed to host the continental tournament.
"These dates give us clarity on what needs to be done and when to ensure that everything is in place for the tournament," said LOC chairman Nicholas Musonye.
He added: "I want to assure Kenyans that we will be more than ready to host Afcon 2027 and that everything will be done the right way. I will also be accountable for any money spent by the LOC during the preparation period and until the end of the tournament.”
Musonye revealed that, at a CAF working workshop in Uganda last week, the three East African nations reviewed progress made so far, assessed pending tasks and outlined key priorities to ensure a successful tournament.
"From our meeting, I am confident that we will deliver the best Afcon ever, as our neighbours are also making significant progress in upgrading their infrastructure," said the former Cecafa Secretary General.
Kenya is constructing the 60,000-capacity Raila Odinga International Stadium, which will serve as one of the tournament venues. The other designated venue is the 48,000-seater Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani. The Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret is also being upgraded as an alternative venue.
Training facilities earmarked for the tournament include Kasarani Annex A and B, the Nyayo National Stadium, the Ulinzi Sports Complex, the Police Sacco Stadium, the Kenya Utalii Sports Ground and the Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu.
“I would like to assure all Kenyans that our infrastructure will be ready well in advance of the tournament," said Musonye.
On September 27, 2023, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania were awarded the rights to host the 2027 Afcon.
Meanwhile, Fifa has increased funding for each of the 48 teams set to participate in the 2026 World Cup by 15 per cent.
Teams will receive $2.5 (Sh193,650,000) for preparations, up from 322,750,000 ($1.5 million) while qualification bonuses have risen from $9 million (Sh1,161,900,000) to $10 million (Sh1,291,000,000).
The Fifa Council also approved new regulations for the 2026 World Cup. Under the new rule approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), footballers covering their mouths during a confrontation with an opponent or any other player on the pitch will be given a red card.
"At the discretion of the competition organiser, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card," said IFAB.
This change follows an incident during a Uefa Champions League match, when Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni made racially abusive comments directed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior while pulling his jersey up over his mouth to hide what he was saying.
Another new amendment permits officials to issue red cards to players who leave the field in protest of a referee’s decision. This also applies to any team official who encourages their players to walk off in protest.
